Democratic Erosion University Course Student Blog

Students enrolled in our course are encouraged to write for the course blog, and to read and comment on posts from students at other participating universities. The blog offers students the opportunity to analyze current events through the lens of the theory and case studies they engage with through the course.

Public Opinion, Polarization, and Pushback on the Impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte

With months ahead of impeachment trial of Sara Duterte in the Philippine Senate, we can expect more political theatrics to unfold and try to win over public opinion.

Forced Conscription in Eritrea: No Opportunities for the Youth of Eritrea

Eritrea’s forced conscription into national service has resulted in a struggling education sector and thousands of people fleeing the country.

The Politics of Shame: How Bobotante Narrative Poses Threats to Philippine Democracy

In democratic countries, elections are seen as a great equalizer for each individual, as they are entitled to free expression, regardless of their background. However, this is not the case in the Philippines, as the 2022 election has turned into a battlefield of shame...

Undermining the Feedback Loop: How Trump’s Educational Policies Hinder Democratic Accountability

May 7, 2025 | Tulane University

In a larger trend of censoring opinions which the Trump administration views as undesirable, the Trump administration’s actions towards schools and universities has a...

Democracy Six Feet Under: How Disinformation is Burying Philippine Democracy Alive

May 7, 2025 | Featured, University of the Philippines, Diliman

Philippine democracy is in great danger once again now that the two families who benefited the most from disinformation – the Marcoses and Dutertes, are in power and have...

Populist or President… ?

May 1, 2025 | University of Memphis

Populist or President… ? Donald Trump is significantly taking us backward.With the growing centralization of wealth and political influence within the...

How Modi Turned Culture into a Political Weapon

Apr 30, 2025 | Tulane University

Image of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking at a BJP rally. The lotus symbol, central to the BJP’s identity, is prominently displayed on the podium. I remember sitting on the couch...

Democracy for Sale: How a Chinese National Briefly Became a Mayor in the Philippines

Apr 30, 2025 | University of the Philippines, Diliman

As Asia’s oldest democracy, the Philippines has had its share of national controversies over the years. In recent memory, very few of these incidents stand out as much as the case of Alice...

The fire from within: American Democracy is dying?

Apr 29, 2025 | University of Memphis, University of Virginia

” There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide” - James Adams. If the average empire fails at 250 years and America is 248 years old, could we say that the death of...

Enemies of the People: Matteo Salvini’s Politics of Delegitimation in Italy

Apr 29, 2025 | Tartu University

Enemies of the People: Matteo Salvini’s Politics of Delegitimation in Italy In April 2025, Matteo Salvini and his party, the far-right Lega (League), sparked outrage after posting a series of...

Robert Fico’s media law: a populist attack on public broadcasting

Apr 28, 2025 | Tartu University

Robert Fico’s media law: a populist attack on public broadcasting In April 2024, Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, oversaw the dismantling of one of the most popular media outlets...

Disinformation and war : How the Violent War in Ukraine Illustrates the Power of Disinformation 1

Apr 27, 2025 | University of Memphis

Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, information warfare has become as crucial as military strategy on the ground. Government officials, state-backed media outlets, and online...

Russia fueling Democratic Struggles in Romania through the Media

Apr 24, 2025 | University of Memphis

In November of 2024, Romanian politician Călin Georgescu was accused of receiving help from Russia through the global media platform TikTok, to influence Romanian elections. Here's a breakdown of...

The Gavel, Not The Gun: How Viktor Orbán Reinvented Backsliding

Apr 24, 2025 | Tulane University

On April 3rd, 2022, after polls predicted he would win by a 5-point margin, Viktor Orbán and his party, Fidesz, secured their fourth consecutive election victory with a supermajority in parliament,...